FIA: We are constantly monitoring Bahrain situation

9 April 2012

The FIA, F1's governing body, has confirmed it is 'daily touch with the highest authorities' in Bahrain, as continuing unrest in the Gulf State calls into question the viability of the event on April 22.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is currently set to take place following this coming weekend's race in China, although there remain doubts as to whether it will happen and if it will again be cancelled like it was in 2011.

"The FIA is constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We are in daily touch with the highest authorities, the main European embassies and of course the local promoters at BIC (Bahrain International Circuit) as well as the international promoter," an FIA spokesman told The Daily Telegraph.

"The FIA is the guarantor of the safety at the race event and relies, as it does in every other country, on the local authorities to guarantee security. In this respect we have been repeatedly assured by the highest authorities in Bahrain that all security matters are under control."

Former F1 world champion, Damon Hill meanwhile urged the FIA last week to reconsider things [see separate story - HERE].

He has since re-iterated those views in an interview on BBC Radio 4: "I think at the moment it is hotting up, which is not a good state of affairs to be wanting to go to Bahrain, when it is actually getting more inflamed.

"It is a very difficult call and my concern is that F1 is perceived to be indifferent, and that would be really damaging for F1.

"I think under the right circumstances it would be OK. I don't doubt that they could hold the grand prix, but in order to hold the grand prix they would have to impose very serious security measures to prevent protestors making their point, then it would appear that the event is taking place on one side of the argument.

"That is the worry for the reputation of the sport; that it is actually taking political sides," Hill concluded.